Google Search

Antonio Conte reveals desperation over addressing major Chelsea flaw as time is running out

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has again reiterated that the club are looking to sign a new defender as he is concerned over the lack of depth in that area.

The Italian tactician has seen his side make an impressive start to the campaign, securing back-to-back wins to start his tenure and they sit with maximum points after two games.

However, with just five senior defenders at his disposal, Conte remains concerned over the his lack of options as an injury or a suspension could be a huge blow to him without an adequate replacement set to step in and fill the gap.

“If you look now at our squad, we have only five defenders – four that started today and an academy player Ola Aina,” he told Sky Sports.

“Ola is very good – he has great potential – but with any young player you must work to put them in the first team. Sure, he has a good future.

“If one defender is injured or banned, then we are in trouble, but the club and me we know this and we are talking every day to improve the squad.

“We know that this market is very difficult. It’s crazy. I don’t want to buy only to buy. I want to buy the right profile for Chelsea, the right investment for the solution and for the future.”

With time running out before the transfer deadline passes, the last thing that Conte will want to do is panic buy and spend over the odds for a player that isn’t worth the price-tag.

In turn, he’ll likely continue to meticulously scour the market for the best deal possible, as he isn’t the only Premier League manager struggling to find value for money for the right personnel this summer, with Arsene Wenger in the same predicament and perhaps unfairly coming under intense criticism for his approach.

Nevertheless, as heard in his tone on Saturday, Conte is desperate to bring in another defender before the end of the month, and that in turn will further build confidence and belief at Stamford Bridge that they have the squad capable of competing at the top of the table this season.